My “Dancing with the Stars” experience began freshman year of college, when my friend invited me over to her dorm to watch. I had never seen it before, nor had I reached the “DWTS” side of TikTok yet. While I have little to no coordination and only took ballet lessons when I was 4 years old, I have always loved watching dance. I’ve watched every episode of “Dance Moms,” obsess over the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and their show, and enjoy watching all of the dancers at concerts. But, then I watched “DWTS.” The elegance of the professional dancers mixed with the competition between the stars is exhilarating. I felt like a child discovering their passion with wide eyes –– except I literally can’t dance at all. So, I stick to watching it.
My friend and I watched season 30 of “DWTS” freshman year, and every year after that we sat on the couch together every Tuesday night to watch as new celebrities competed with new routines. We even went to their live show together senior year wearing custom shirts I designed on Canva –– with Stephen Nedoroscik’s face on it. It was a very full circle moment for us.
So, because I basically majored in “Dancing with the Stars”-ology, I wanted to break down this season’s couples as of week three (aka TikTok night) and my thoughts on the season so far.
(Insert “DWTS” opening theme here.)
Robert Irwin & Witney Carson
Let’s start off strong with this iconic duo. Robert Irwin, whose sister Bindi won season 21 in 2015, brought energy to the dance floor during his week one performance, making him a fierce competitor. Irwin, who is the son of the late Steve Irwin from “The Crocodile Hunter,” brought his young charisma to the show which was refreshing. His muscular build and sweet persona added to his likability as well.
While many young stars have graced the “DWTS” dance floor, many of them have had prior dance training. Charli D’Amelio (season 31 winner) is a former competitive dancer and Xiotchi Gomez (season 32 winner) had some musical theater dance experience from her childhood. But, Irwin has no prior dance experience –– which makes it exciting to see him learn on the show.
Irwin is paired with Witney Carson, a seasoned pro dancer whose choreography may help him get to the finals.
Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach
Daniella Karagach can simply do no wrong. The season 30 winner has been known to work with very, very beginner dancers (and sometimes, very, very tall dancers) and turn them into, well, Iman Shumpert –– I’ll let that video speak for itself. And Dylan Efron, Zac Efron’s brother, is no different.
Efron’s first week was a little stiff, but his foxtrot to “Yukon” this week showed much improvement. He looked more poised and confident in this slower dance style, earning him a 23/30 score from the judges which placed him in the upper half of the leaderboard. I’m excited to see even more improvements from Efron and what Karagach challenges him with next week.
Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy
Alix Earle joining the “DWTS” cast was exciting for its Gen Z audience who have watched her gain celebrity status. While Earle often documents her late nights out on TikTok, showing off her uncoordinated side, I wasn’t sure if she would pick up the technique as well as some of her fellow castmates.
However, after her first week I was proven wrong. She has been able to master the choreography that Val Chmerkovskiy has thrown at her, especially this week with her quickstep to “Pop Muzik” by M / Robin Scott. Her energy made this dance fun and look professional. This was probably my favorite dance this week (and not just because I’m obsessed with Chmerkovskiy).
Hilaria Baldwin & Gleb Savchenko
I have a lot to say about this duo.
Let’s start with Gleb Savchenko. Last season, he was paired with model Brooks Nader. The pair were flirtatious on the show and began dating, but Nader was quickly eliminated and placed 9th. While together, Nader and Savchenko were known for their social media PDA.
The couple broke up in April 2024, and according to Nader’s new reality TV show, “Love Thy Nader,” she went through Savchenko’s phone and discovered that he was planning a threesome in Joshua Tree, California. So, let’s just say Savchenko was in some pretty hot water already when this season began.
His image did not exactly improve when he was paired with Hilaria Baldwin. Baldwin, known for co-founding a chain of yoga studios called Yoga Vida and being married to Alec Baldwin, was canceled by the public for supposedly faking her Spanish accent. Although she was born in Boston, Massachusetts and named Hillary Lynn Hayward-Thomas, she spent time in Spain and is bilingual in Spanish, which she claims is why she has an accent.
With both of these partners having been canceled, I see them as an evil duo –– especially because Baldwin already has a background in ballroom dancing. She even beat “DWTS” pro Emma Slater in a ballroom dancing competition in 2004. This kind of dance experience seems unfair when put against the other contestants who have little to no dance experience.
Whitney Leavitt & Mark Ballas
Whitney Leavitt, who is on the reality show “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” does have some prior dance experience as well. She went to Brigham Young University, where she majored in fine arts with an emphasis in dance. So, she and her partner, Mark Ballas, lit up the dance floor during week one with their tango. Immediately, the audience could see Leavitt’s dance ability and flexibility. She looked sharp alongside Ballas, who has won three “DWTS” mirrorball trophies.
This is definitely a strong couple who I could see going all the way to the finals. That is, if Leavitt doesn’t get kicked out of the Mormon mom TikTok group, “MomTok,” again.
Jen Affleck & Jan Ravnik
Jen Affleck, another star on “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” and perhaps somehow related to Ben Affleck (the jury is still out on this), is perfect for the “DWTS” dance floor with her bubbly personality. While Affleck just had a baby in July, the mom of three has a lot of potential on the show. She is still getting the technique down, but I think she will definitely have a breakout performance very soon.
Affleck’s partner, Jan Ravnik, is the newest pro dancer to join the “DWTS” cast. Fresh off of Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour, Ravnik is adjusting nicely to the ballroom. I’m super excited to see what choreography he does next.
Andy Richter & Emma Slater
Andy Richter, known as Conan O’Brien’s TV sidekick and being the voice of Mort in “The Penguins of Madagascar,” is a lovable contestant who has found a passion for dance. Watching Richter’s packages and his dance routines, it’s easy to see the joy that he has found for dance and the show. While perhaps not the most technical dancer, he has made the audience fall in love with his charisma –– especially this week with his foxtrot to “Northern Attitude.”
Emma Slater, Richter’s paired pro, is also a special part of his likability. They often make funny TikToks together to showcase their sweet partnership, making them a favorite of the viewers.
Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten
Iconically known as Meredith Blake from “The Parent Trap,” Elaine Hendrix has been working hard on “DWTS.” Throughout her rehearsal packages with her partner Alan Bersten, it’s clear that Hendrix is passionate about the show and wants to improve.
While perhaps not as technical as some of her fellow stars, her facial expressions and character portrayal is excellent. Her dances are delightfully fun and expressive, which may give her a leg up on other opponents.
As for Bersten, who placed second last season with rugby player Ilona Maher, his previous season showcased his silly personality, making him a fan-favorite. Perhaps this will help him gain votes in his new partnership.
Danielle Fishel & Pasha Pashkov
The “Boy Meets World” actress, Danielle Fishel, known to most as her character, Topanga, is another passionate dancer. Although battling a hamstring injury, she danced with grace in her week three foxtrot to “Manchild” by her friend, Sabrina Carpenter.
It’s been fun to see Fishel improve each week alongside her partner, Pasha Pashkov. She reminds me a lot of Alyson Hannigan, who placed fifth on season 32. Perhaps there is a breakout moment coming for her this week during Disney night.
Scott Hoying & Rylee Arnold
Scott Hoying, part of the acapella group “Pentatonix,” started off a little slow this season. As a beginner dancer, his first dance definitely needed some work. However, this week he performed a jazz performance with his partner Rylee Arnold that was powerful and went viral on TikTok. Hoying looked sharp in this dance style and really began to sink into his dancer-self.
Arnold, who placed fourth last season with Olympic bronze medalist Stephen Nedoroscik, is now on her third season as a pro. The 20-year-old has grown a lot as a choreographer and partner since her first season, and has really helped with “DWTS”’s presence on social media.
Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa
I’m so so excited about this pairing. Jordan Chiles, a gold medal Olympic gymnast, has so much energy and athleticism that she brings to her dances –– especially this past week with her tango. Along with her humorous personality, I believe that Chiles will definitely be a contender for the finals.
As for her partner, Ezra Sosa, who was eliminated first last season with con artist Anna Delvey, this feels like his first real chance to show off his skills as a pro. Last season was his very first season, which he was only able to do two dances for before getting eliminated. Now, being paired with a very strong partner, I’m hopeful that Sosa will shine as a performer and choreographer.
Jenna Johnson & Her Six Pack
I mean come on. Just give her the mirrorball now.
What do you think of this season of “Dancing with the Stars” and its fierce competition? Let me know by emailing me: gingerlyond23@gmail.com
Educated Guesses 
Leave a comment